A Nigerian terror group has threatened to execute over 400 hostages—mostly women and children—after negotiations with government officials collapsed, according to footage posted to social media. The 72-hour ultimatum expired without resolution, leaving hundreds of innocent lives hanging in the balance as international attention remains largely absent.

Mass Kidnapping and Failed Negotiations

Boko Haram militants abducted at least 416 internally displaced persons from refugee camps in Gamboru Ngala, Borno state, on March 3, 2024. According to Amnesty International, the victims were taken from Babban Sansani, Zulum, and Arabic IDP camps. The terror group issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the Nigerian government to meet their demands. When authorities failed to comply, militants released video footage announcing their intention to begin executions. “The 72 hours ultimatum we have given has expired,” a masked militant stated on camera. “This [these] negotiations have expired.”

The video showed the militant warning Nigerian officials against using air strikes, claiming such action would only result in killing the hostages. “The jets you send will only kill your Ngoshe women and children,” the speaker said. He challenged Nigerian forces to attempt a rescue operation. “Since the ultimatum is over, we dare you to come check, save the women and children. Let them even try escaping so they see Allah’s miracle.”

Limited Rescue Efforts Show Small Progress

Six captives have been rescued since the mass kidnapping occurred, according to reports from The Guardian on Sunday. However, the vast majority of hostages remain in captivity, with their fate uncertain as the militant group has followed through on beginning executions in similar past incidents. This kidnapping follows another mass abduction in Kuriga, Kaduna state, where at least 287 students and teachers were seized by gunmen who arrived on motorcycles before taking victims into remote areas.

Pattern of Violence Against Christians

Boko Haram has conducted systematic attacks against Christian communities and civilians throughout Nigeria for years. The group’s name roughly translates to “Western education is forbidden” in the Hausa language. Their insurgency has displaced millions and killed tens of thousands since 2009. Nigerian Senator Muhammad Ali Ndume appeared in portions of the terror video, discussing the hostage situation and warning about military responses that could endanger captives. International human rights organizations have repeatedly called attention to the humanitarian crisis in northern Nigeria, where terror groups operate with relative impunity in remote regions. The current hostage situation represents one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent years.